Fresh Produce

Pick up a few cues to judge ripeness since different fruits ripen differently. Look for these signs:

• Smell: A sweet, fruity aroma near the stem often means ripe.
• Feel: Gently squeeze—some give indicates ripeness for stone fruits and avocados, while apples should be firmer.
• Color and appearance: Even color and a healthy skin (no major bruises) are good signs.
• Stem area: For berries and grapes, check the stem and caps for freshness.

When buying for later use, choose slightly underripe fruit and let it ripen at room temperature. Results vary by variety and storage.

Storage depends on the herb type. Here are friendly tips to help herbs stay fresher longer:

• Tender herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil): Trim stems and place in a jar with a little water like a bouquet. Cover loosely with a plastic bag and refrigerate, except basil prefers room temperature.
• Woody herbs (rosemary, thyme): Wrap in a dry paper towel and store in a sealed bag in the fridge.
• General tips: Replace water every couple days, keep herbs away from ethylene-producing fruit, and use clean containers to reduce wilting.

Precut produce can be a great time-saver, but it comes with trade-offs. Consider these points:

• Convenience: Precut items save prep time and are handy for quick meals or snacks.
• Shelf life: Cutting speeds up spoilage, so precut produce usually needs to be eaten sooner than whole produce.
• Quality checks: Look for clean, intact packaging, a clear pack date if available, and avoid containers with excess liquid.
• Value choice: If you plan to use produce quickly, precut is useful. For longer storage or cost savings, whole produce may be better.

Shelf life varies by type and how fresh the item was at purchase. Typical ranges can help you plan meals:

• Leafy greens: 3–7 days when stored in a crisp, dry container.
• Berries: 3–7 days; keep them dry and in the coldest part of the fridge.
• Citrus and apples: A couple of weeks to a month in the refrigerator.
• Root vegetables: Several weeks to months in a cool, dark crisper drawer.

Factors like packaging, fridge temperature, and how soon you refrigerate after purchase affect freshness. Check often and use produce showing the best texture and smell first.

Yes — many customers order fresh produce online for pickup or home delivery. Here’s how to make it work well:

• Choose pickup or delivery: Select your preferred option at checkout and watch for available time slots in your area.
• Set substitution preferences: You can usually allow or decline substitutions if an item isn't available.
• Inspect at pickup: When you pick up your order, check perishables and notify the associate if something looks off.
• Timing: Schedule pickup or delivery close to when you’ll use the produce to maximize freshness.

Availability and services may vary by location and stock levels.